Katherine Turner Farr was born in Atlanta twenty-one years ago. She was the first of five children, who would include three brothers and one sister. The doctors, nurses, and the family realized something was wrong from the very beginning of her life…Katherine was born with cerebral palsy.
Every hour, a baby is born with cerebral palsy (CP). In the United States, one million people are affected by this condition, and worldwide, eighteen million individuals share this diagnosis. Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It results from damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. It’s important to note that CP is not a disease; rather, it encompasses various conditions that affect motor skills. The extent and range of symptoms can vary widely due to damage in different areas of the brain.
Katherine must have understood from the beginning that she needed to push herself to achieve all that she would do in the days, weeks, and years to come. From day one, it was apparent that ‘no’ would not be a word used often in her future. Katherine’s loving but concerned family faced each day together. As the years passed and hurdles were conquered, Katherine’s remarkable resolve was simply to be one of the kids. She made friends easily, and with enormous support, she turned a disability into mighty triumphs.
With all her siblings and parents being athletic, it’s no surprise that she is too. In middle school, she joined the track team. When asked why she wanted to participate, her response was, “Well, everybody else is doing it!” Despite using a walker, her indomitable spirit allowed her to eventually surpass other competitors in the track’s ambulatory division and win four state titles. Her “why not?” attitude not only helps her win races but also inspires everyone who runs in life with her.
I interviewed Kat, as she prefers to be called, two days before her 21st birthday. Initially, I found it challenging to understand her speech because of CP. However, after a while, I began to grasp her words, and trust me, you definitely want to hear what she has to say.
As I sat with her at her breakfast table, I couldn’t help but be captivated by her beauty and joy. Her long, dark hair framed a face that radiated happiness. Her rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes only added to her mesmerizing presence.
“What do you wish more people understood about living with cerebral palsy or mobility issues?” I asked.
“We are not fragile, nor are we mentally incompetent. We have feelings, goals, and desires just like everyone else,” Kat replied.
Knowing Kat’s faith is strong, I inquired, “Was there a time when you drew closer to God?”
“When COVID first arrived, everything changed. School was different, and so were people. As individuals began to voice hurtful opinions on social media and express their anger, I felt overwhelmed by a wave of depression. I turned to prayer and leaned on God for support, hoping to help myself and others rise above the sadness.”
“…when nothing stops a human being from being the best they can be, they are champions.
Somewhere in her answer, there is a profound lesson: those of us who appear normal can act abnormally and affect the happiness of many.
“Kat, what are your goals going forward?”
She replied, “Completing my academic journey at the University of Georgia. I want to continue building relationships with my Tri Delt sorority sisters and pursuing a career in marketing, public relations, and journalism. I am hopeful that I will be accepted into Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism.”
“Then after that, what would you like to achieve? Marriage and children?” I questioned.
Her delightful answer, “I want it all!”
Country music is her passion. She laughs at the time her disability put her in the front row of a Luke Bryan concert. The music star saw her and came off stage to hug her. It’s not a stretch; anybody would walk away from a song to meet Kat.
“If God places a dream in your heart, you will find a way to achieve it.”
Heroes come in all types and ages. We see them on the battlefield or on a big screen telling their stories. However, some are just around the corner. They may stumble, speak slowly, and require assistance throughout the day. But when nothing stops a human being from being the best they can be, they are champions.
We understand inspiration through observing how others live. Their contagious attitudes can motivate us to achieve the greatness they represent..
“What message would you give to those who hesitate to embrace or pursue their dreams because of perceived limitations?”
Kat replied thoughtfully, and I understood her words clearly: “If God places a dream in your heart, you will find a way to achieve it.”
There is no greater representative of hope than Katherine Turner Farr.
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Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Tennessee-raised, Georgia-residing author and columnist. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.
